2018 was such a fantastic year for music, it was incredibly difficult to narrow my list down to 18. Nevertheless, these tracks were simply phenomenal, ranging from politically charged anthems, to glorious moments of self-discovery, to songs you just want to fall in love to, and with, again and again.
1. "This is America" - Childish Gambino
With gun violence, police brutality, racial tension, and a controversial presidential administration being the subject of many news headlines this year, Childish Gambino's "This is America" manages to handle each topic with profound accuracy. The social commentary combined with the juxtaposition between laid-back Sunday morning gospel and aggressively sharp rap left listeners feeling uneasy about the state of American culture, but also with a sense of urgency. This politically charged track and its accompanying music video, filled with symbolism about injustice and racial disparity, is sure to be remembered as the most important moment in music of 2018.
2. "Sicko Mode" - Travis Scott
No surprises here - at number two on the list, Sicko Mode has rightfully earned its spot as one of the biggest bangers of the year. Its slick three-part structure is reminiscent of a modern "Bohemian Rhapsody" - not to mention the fact that Travis and Drake sound more important than ever. I mean really, it takes talent to pull off bragging about doing half a Xanax before boarding a flight and having the mother of your child, who was born into millions, reach the cover of Forbes. Nevertheless, the beat is fire, the lyrics are irresistibly catchy, and no party was complete this year without blasting it at window-shattering volume.
3. "Nobody" - Mitski
"Nobody" (pun fully intended) encapsulated the depths of my depression this year better than Mitski. In quirky, disco-pop fashion, Mitski sings, "And I don't want your pity, I just want somebody near me", later commenting in a Genius interview that she just wants, "...to feel another human being, being around me and that's it. Don't judge me." Her candid lyrics and way around a melody captured the hearts of fans and critics alike this year, as Pitchfork ranked her album Be the Cowboy at #1.
4. "We Appreciate Power" - Grimes, HANA
Grimes is no stranger to writing about the future of Artificial Intelligence, and this electric, Kafkaesque, pop-rock anthem is not only her finest attempt at the subject, but also an omen for the future sound of pop music. Featuring a glorious key change paired with lyrics about uploading one's consciousness, We Appreciate Power tells the tale of pro-AI, female-led propaganda group. Additionally, the song is a torchbearer of increasing electronic influences amongst pop artists. Due to Grimes' musical direction and keen lyrics, I wouldn't be surprised if this song is dissected in college classrooms years into the future.
5. "Freeee (Ghost Town pt. 2)" - Kids See Ghosts
Kanye may have had one rollercoaster of a year, but his collaboration with Kid Cudi on Kids See Ghosts was definitely a high point. "Freeee" is a beautiful, multidimensional track, touching on both artists' mental illness, media backlash, and ultimate self-acceptance. After facing criticism after criticism, Kanye dropped this track as a graceful way of telling us that he doesn't care what people think of him. Ironically, I don't know of a single person or critic who disliked the project.
6. "Ponyboy" - SOPHIE
I truly enjoyed the spectrum of reactions this year from showing off SOPHIE, my favorite new discovery, and her raunchy single, "Ponyboy", to each and every one of my friends. Dynamic, imposing and ultimately impressive, SOPHIE shows off her production skills and talent as a lyricist in this electronic banger. This year, she became the first trans artist to be nominated for a Grammy - but she doesn't need a trophy to be regarded as one of the most relevant producers of this era.
7. "Violent Crimes" - Kanye West
Although it slightly broke my heart to hear that Pardison Fontaine was majorly responsible for the song's lyrical genius, it still doesn't change the fact that "Violent Crimes" was one of the best songs of this year. Written about his struggles as a parent, Kanye delivers brilliant lines about fatherhood, women, and reality, with a gorgeous cameo from 070 Shake.
8. "God is a woman" - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande truly had her moment this year, and her single "God is a woman" off her latest album, Sweetener, is merely one of many bops that could have made my list. Regardless, "God is a woman" is an empowering pop track about femininity, sexuality, and love. Following a tumultuous relationship with late rapper Mac Miller, and entering a brief engagement with Pete Davidson, the energy of Grande's whirlwind life was present in her music, and certainly on this track.
9. "Boys" - Lizzo
If you don't know who Lizzo is, you absolutely should. "Boys" is a groovy two minutes and fifty-three seconds of female sexual liberation, in which Lizzo nonchalantly expresses that when it comes to dating, she doesn't discriminate. Regardless of gender, anyone can enjoy this catchy, soul-rap bop.
10. "Words I Heard" - Julia Holter
If you're a fan of dramatic string sections, grand chord progressions, and indie-folk, you'll love "Words I Heard" by Julia Holter. The multi-instrumentalist's charming musical direction makes the song feel like a walk in the woods, in which sunlight radiates through the treetops perfectly at every turn.
11. "Slow Dancing in the Dark" - Joji
Following his career as "Filthy Frank", one of the internet's most beloved YouTube comedians, George Miller truly embraced music as Joji in 2017, and in 2018 his single "Slow Dancing in the Dark" was at the forefront of lo-fi hip-hop. Featuring glittery pop production tactics, the song is reminiscent of a romantic night drive, or a romantic slow dance, or... a romantic, anything, really.
12. "Rage" - Rico Nasty
"Rage" is an angry, trap banger by up and coming Maryland rapper Rico Nasty, and one of the singles off her mixtape Nasty. Nasty made a name for herself this year amongst rap fans with her gritty vocals, no-nonsense lyrics and dark, energetic beats. The single is peak Nasty, as the rapper lashes out against fiends and foes in a chaotic, but dignified, manner.
13. "Mariner's Apartment Complex" - Lana Del Rey
"You lose your way, just take my hand / You're lost at sea, then I'll command your boat to me again," Lana Del Rey coos on the single "Mariner's Apartment Complex" she dropped in September this year. The gentle guitars, nostalgic piano chords, and Lana's iconic voice mixed at the forefront of this track make the song's dreamy lyrics sound absolutely gorgeous.
14. "Love It If We Made It" - The 1975
Combine social commentary, Matty Healy's vocal power, and an epic bass line as the ending approaches, and you get The 1975's hard-hitting track "Love It If We Made It", off their latest project, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships. Every single line on its verses resounds as an ever important observation of internet culture, millennials, and modern society. Properly equipped with The 1975's trademark synth-heavy 80s pop-rock production, this single is one of the finest points on their record.
15. "Charcoal Baby" - Blood Orange
The first single from Blood Orange's fantastic fourth album, Negro Swan, "Charcoal Baby" is a funky, synth heavy celebration of the "negro swan". Dev Hynes' guitar skills also shine on the track, along with his insightful lyricism about being the only black person in a room.
16. "Love Me Right" - Amber Mark
Amber Mark's "Love Me Right" is a catchy, RnB anthem about trying to save a deteriorating relationship. Mark's vocal ability is more prominent than ever, and the drama behind the lyrics carries over to the song's musical direction as well.
17. "rockstar" - Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
Post Malone stood his ground as a force to be reckoned with in the rap community with his viral hit "rockstar". The track is an effortless blend of trap and RnB, in which both Posty and 21 sound cool, confident, and as the title suggests, like rockstars.
18. "Lucid Dreams" - Juice WRLD
Juice Wrld skyrocketed beyond the realm of SoundCloud musicians with his melodramatic blend of emo and rap on his debut album Goodbyes and Good Riddance. The song "Lucid Dreams" went viral in 2018, for his melancholy lyrics about drug abuse and a painful breakup juxtaposed with upbeat trap production.
